tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74551779513641902562024-02-22T03:49:36.209-05:00Tree of Life Christian SchoolsTree of Life Christian Schoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01098853173592263222noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455177951364190256.post-9533594300246869732022-05-30T23:04:00.002-04:002022-05-30T23:04:18.579-04:00Leaving a Legacy<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">As seniors around the country complete their final year of high school, a common theme that will be repeated is “finishing well.” Students are encouraged to keep up their academic endeavors - focusing on completing those final few presentations, essays, and exams.</span></span> <p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tree of Life, finishing well means more than academic achievement, however. It is about leaving a legacy. Our seniors become part of the history and the essence of who we are as a school. End of year events, such as Senior Chapel and Treasure up and Ponder, give the graduating class a chance to leave a legacy of faith through worship, testimonies, and thankfulness. Since 2005, seniors have also physically left their mark on the high school in the form of “legacy prints.” Students’ handprints are preserved and displayed in the hallways for years to come.</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-f403a6f5-7fff-8ab5-6ca5-66ca6059c731"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 416px; overflow: hidden; width: 624px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img height="416" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/9XFzY5mauj4v_TpPBBwmeVO-flaLXOjlKZXbEr5YptJnoZ0h2vg0lup8kFLcHdaEc3Gnzyju1sICJ2gJKIW_IObghRAD32rFuV8shtZPoSYaDLeuTqxDfcckdq0wwpKCDLZaLxPWuvQ44DGvbA" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="624" /></span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">These are a reminder of the lasting impression that each class has made on this school. Our prayer, however, is that legacy will go both ways. During the final few weeks of school, there are intentional opportunities for the school to leave a lasting impression on the seniors. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Senior Week - the week leading up to commencement - begins with a five day trip to Tennessee. Though this trip is packed full of white water rafting, zip lining, and theme parks, it is also intentionally scripted with moments for faculty to pour into the lives of our seniors spiritually. Staff testimonies, devotional times, and life-on-life discipleship make this trip one of the highlights of their time at Tree of Life for many seniors. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">After returning from their trip, seniors come together for a formal breakfast in which faculty members speak words of life about each senior in front of their peers - declaring once again that each one of our students has value in the eyes of the world and more importantly in the eyes of Christ. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Legacy is a big word. It is something that lasts. It is something that is remembered. It is something that doesn’t fade. Our prayer is that the impression of Tree of Life on our seniors will be a legacy. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpihmanynfMD1ZhIXBaTAs4B0_3BDVyegs-Cuh9Upc_m0GEbRQKkznGbONltnLZeKLgay50aZM5YsQOA5AgSFjKT-RtgRN_uSWr_mi4fnT5fGnE-rcUiBUu4TLE8pQZaSGS-XWCrNj_39LcmB-0XiBPBznS9kaCIbUIYo0ubZmNC1yxSi5fQqKf2-x/s992/IMG3240026911214951950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="992" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpihmanynfMD1ZhIXBaTAs4B0_3BDVyegs-Cuh9Upc_m0GEbRQKkznGbONltnLZeKLgay50aZM5YsQOA5AgSFjKT-RtgRN_uSWr_mi4fnT5fGnE-rcUiBUu4TLE8pQZaSGS-XWCrNj_39LcmB-0XiBPBznS9kaCIbUIYo0ubZmNC1yxSi5fQqKf2-x/w640-h480/IMG3240026911214951950.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p></span>Tree of Life Christian Schoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01098853173592263222noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455177951364190256.post-32463686597434915842022-05-30T22:10:00.002-04:002022-05-30T22:10:26.709-04:00Remembering in Washington DC<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYA39MqTbc_0Gc_T4Idh00ZlFj3rxJ0rcfCiawIC62y-JUyKhO36DeAVigYKNb5EpAFSFWNy71sgfEO3jJ3jLyx9Y7_WHInB2s_nDrimUbZuGHJ0ii2wvlpnXiD8-gGAVs5-q1nDyGt4lduiNlIMEj2696aTyWo95zs77hAr8b09kR6PIikH8jt7ny/s800/IMG_7942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYA39MqTbc_0Gc_T4Idh00ZlFj3rxJ0rcfCiawIC62y-JUyKhO36DeAVigYKNb5EpAFSFWNy71sgfEO3jJ3jLyx9Y7_WHInB2s_nDrimUbZuGHJ0ii2wvlpnXiD8-gGAVs5-q1nDyGt4lduiNlIMEj2696aTyWo95zs77hAr8b09kR6PIikH8jt7ny/w493-h369/IMG_7942.jpg" width="493" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Remembering in Washington DC</span></span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-abd5dcce-7fff-5770-297d-73f3d8237c5b"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">For our 8th graders, Washington DC is a place where history, the Bible, and relational connection intersected our students in a memorable way. (Read the full story…link to blog)</span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“Eventually that entire generation died and was buried. Then another generation grew up that didn’t know anything of God or the work he had done for Israel.” Judges 2:10 </span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">To remember is to keep stories alive of those who came before us. When the Israelities crossed the Jordan River, God commanded Joshua to take 12 stones from the middle of the Jordan and create a memorial as a way to look back at what God did for the Israelites. Our eighth grade students began their journey of remembrance when they boarded two charter buses bound for Washington DC. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">For many, Washington DC is merely a city where our federal government is housed. For our 8th grade students, the city is more than that. For them it’s now a place where they found God, grew closer to each other, and learned the history of the United States. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">For some, those memories came from the relational aspect of being on a trip with their classmates and teachers. For others it was listening to Mr. Dalhman speak at the 9/11 Memorial about what it means to remember God through our stones of remembrance. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">While in Washington DC, our students learned to find God throughout the city as well as its rich history through stories. There are many stories that Washington DC tells, but the two that stand out are the Washington Monument and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKN6bYfXYUsbb2RNildWlWOwgHsmHtgtnCNjjJzY0kvy27Ppzw1EF83-hN5mrt6Y1WnFJh-W_g3u5J7noAHMwrlCRgldDX-YMdqs_-iY2hBGGMm4pLo6B6aecVpUSb2Imqnzv2J2jWe2i2sUCT6sPvLdRRUhnkgu3SwNRf46MdXDTAfLTwpG7AUG6s/s1280/IMG_7881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKN6bYfXYUsbb2RNildWlWOwgHsmHtgtnCNjjJzY0kvy27Ppzw1EF83-hN5mrt6Y1WnFJh-W_g3u5J7noAHMwrlCRgldDX-YMdqs_-iY2hBGGMm4pLo6B6aecVpUSb2Imqnzv2J2jWe2i2sUCT6sPvLdRRUhnkgu3SwNRf46MdXDTAfLTwpG7AUG6s/s320/IMG_7881.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">As our students approached the Washington Monument and looked up, they knew but couldn’t see the Latin words Laus Deo, which when translated means, “Praise be to God.” The most recognizable monument in the city was, both literally and figuratively, pointing our students to God and reminding them to always praise God no matter their circumstances. </span></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Perhaps the most impactful for some was at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. As we approached, our attention was immediately drawn to Dr. King looking out across the Tidal Basin as he emerges “out of the mountain of despair” with work that still needs to be done behind him. Before we left the memorial, students were exhorted to think of the difficult times in their life where they need to trust God to bring them out of their “mountain of despair.”</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">It is from that mountain that we gain a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us. A student’s parent wrote to me saying, “At a time when lots of indicators are showing that American school children are being taught to hold their country in contempt, I'm appreciative of Tree’s value of our nation's capital and history.”</span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail, “Human nature with all its infirmities and deprivation is still capable of great things. It should be your care, therefore, and mine, to elevate the minds of our children and exalt their courage; to accelerate and animate their industry and activity...” It is with excitement that I look towards the future waiting to see what this generation will do for our world, this country and the Kingdom of God! </span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Mr. Stetz and Mrs. Fought</span></span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>Tree of Life Christian Schoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01098853173592263222noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455177951364190256.post-42677939508496412862022-02-25T15:41:00.001-05:002022-02-25T15:49:50.149-05:00Trojan Athletes Earn Recognition <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlbnYwfL1NyoQ5Fc01CRqqYT9Vz5cVpXHCA6QUiy2RnALHGKz-xz766mbVxLx3Sxj6-4W_4aPp_q8_zxKvnqvhHUfSZ2su4PMFnBl0wMFyFW0GpjqduVOdVTyD1LbPsNpxTtZzNNYLL2PaXq9jBt9O4AcOHmhF2NjZl_luaB5AjSZtMoVouNO02MH4=s4271" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2205" data-original-width="4271" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlbnYwfL1NyoQ5Fc01CRqqYT9Vz5cVpXHCA6QUiy2RnALHGKz-xz766mbVxLx3Sxj6-4W_4aPp_q8_zxKvnqvhHUfSZ2su4PMFnBl0wMFyFW0GpjqduVOdVTyD1LbPsNpxTtZzNNYLL2PaXq9jBt9O4AcOHmhF2NjZl_luaB5AjSZtMoVouNO02MH4=w616-h317" width="616" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tree of Life Trojan Athletes have been representing the school well all year. Here are a few highlights from our fall and winter seasons. Congratulations and thank you to all our athletes!</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-b3042151-7fff-97fa-5d7d-129316713996"><h3 style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Boys Soccer</span></span></h3><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The boys soccer program received the </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Silver Award from United Soccer Coaches for Team Ethics and Sportsmanship on their way to a birth in District Semi-Finals</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Adam Pugsley (Sr.)</b> was the recipient of the Central Ohio Excellence in Sportsmanship (EIS) Award</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Coach Andy Cousens</b> was the Central Ohio Excellence in Sportsmanship (EIS) Coaches Recipient</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Michael Kanu (Sr.)</b> was named to Ohio </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">All State Team and the Midwest All Region Team and c</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">aptured Tree of Life records for career goals (79) and goals in a single season (39)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Girls Soccer</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The varsity girls soccer program received the Division 3 Central District Team Sportsmanship Award for the 3rd time in 6 years</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Emily Slone (Sph.)</b> posted the school record for goals in a single season (19)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Rachel Jorgenson (Jr.)</b> was named 1st team All District in Central District Division III</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Girls Basketball </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Earned a birth in the District Semi-finals</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Gianna Lane (Fr.) </b>was named the </span><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Division IV District 10 Player of the Year</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </p><h2 style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Swim </span></span></h2><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Angie Wyand (Sph.) </b>represented TOL in the State Swim Finals in the </span><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">50 and 100 Freestyle</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </p><h2 style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Gymnastics</span></span></h2><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Camryn Davis (Jr.)</b> represented TOL in the Central District Championship </span></p><div><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Tree of Life Christian Schoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01098853173592263222noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455177951364190256.post-16573496470080653442022-02-25T15:40:00.006-05:002022-03-08T12:44:08.133-05:007 Places in central Ohio to reconnect with nature over spring break<p><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-size: x-large;">7 Places in central Ohio to reconnect with nature this spring</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Looking for something to do over spring break? Why not spend some time reconnecting with the great outdoors? Children need time outdoors not only for physical exercise, but to exercise their creativity, their wonder, and their appreciation for the world God has created. Central Ohio has some wonderful areas to spend time outdoors.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></p><p><b><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">1. HOCKING HILLS STATE PARK<span> </span></span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span></span></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><a href="https://www.naturallyamazing.com/photogallery/tw_hh2013_013.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://www.naturallyamazing.com/photogallery/tw_hh2013_013.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></b></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Hocking Hills State Park is considered on of the most beautiful natural areas in the Midwest. With eight unique areas to explore, there are endless opportunities reconnect with nature. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Tip: Ash Cave provides a safe family friendly hike. Stay on the lower trail and even the youngest explorers can safely visit the largest recessed cave in Ohio.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>more information: </b></span><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><a href="https://www.hockinghills.com/">https://www.hockinghills.com/</a></b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>2. OTHER STATE PARKS</b></span></p><p><b style="font-family: Montserrat;"></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Montserrat;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2J53nJiO2V9KFsQFifPt1Ysi4qFT_k-_5dkB4RHSkSJV3h95PqT2rPtJpqMKzLH7dYOLVRQyJoMRpQmucoSSYGlrRFJ540fhkSysTYjeUqhLQc4ARxFTV8L0Jhn7hG8G9TAB7kSYax4ExK947HCog35AE3b0I4kEy1peFFFHHS0UlXwcUmJFQ0hIL=s4928" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4928" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2J53nJiO2V9KFsQFifPt1Ysi4qFT_k-_5dkB4RHSkSJV3h95PqT2rPtJpqMKzLH7dYOLVRQyJoMRpQmucoSSYGlrRFJ540fhkSysTYjeUqhLQc4ARxFTV8L0Jhn7hG8G9TAB7kSYax4ExK947HCog35AE3b0I4kEy1peFFFHHS0UlXwcUmJFQ0hIL=s320" width="320" /></a></b></div><b style="font-family: Montserrat;">Ohio has some fantastic state parks. Parks near Central Ohio include: Alum Creek State Park, Deer Creek State Park, and Mohican State Park. There are plenty of trails, and while spring may be too cold to take advantage of the beaches, head to the marina and rent a couple of </b><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Kayaks or have lunch on a pontoon boat!</b></span><b style="font-family: Montserrat;"> </b><b style="font-family: Montserrat;">Many of these parks also offer over night </b><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>accommodations. </b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Tip: Alum Creek State Park has a Storybook Trail where younger children can read and learn about creation as they hike the 1/2 mile grassy trail.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-size: x-small;"><b>more information: <a href="https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-odnr/division-parks-watercraft">https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-odnr/division-parks-watercraft</a></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>3. METRO PARKS</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-CTAiOz_rrbcOSpDVEg7D8kRXkJSfqv71x23tOs5TAtlGafxSpBx4GfljEKPI3W4pEEjZXYW2IQ82S2qChmTawre49JTS3HZwM6eKTkiQxFDxehsSjYnBILwgrK_FtvWbijJKDB0QhguTdF2VEAm__Zcu32w25W7dIaUErImh1PLLLignW41MRUsT=s4928" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4928" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-CTAiOz_rrbcOSpDVEg7D8kRXkJSfqv71x23tOs5TAtlGafxSpBx4GfljEKPI3W4pEEjZXYW2IQ82S2qChmTawre49JTS3HZwM6eKTkiQxFDxehsSjYnBILwgrK_FtvWbijJKDB0QhguTdF2VEAm__Zcu32w25W7dIaUErImh1PLLLignW41MRUsT=s320" width="320" /></a></b></span></div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Columbus Metro Parks are full of wonderful places to explore. </b></span><b style="font-family: Montserrat;">With 22 parks in central Ohio, b</b><b style="font-family: Montserrat;">eautiful nature walks are just the beginning. In most parks the Nature Centers are back open to the public and full of fossils, artifacts, and hands on learning activities. For older kids and teens, disc golf is a fun way to burn off some energy while enjoy the great outdoors. And everyone will enjoy seeing the bison at </b><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Battelle Darby Creek Park</b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Tip: Some of the nature centers offer special activities such as night hikes while others even provide "little explorer" packs for kids. Check with your local park for details. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-size: x-small;"><b>more information: <a href="https://www.metroparks.net/">https://www.metroparks.net/</a></b></span></p><p><b style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></b></p><p><b style="font-family: Montserrat;">4. </b><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>DELAWARE PRESERVATION PARKS</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhv6Oksxm6v0aJwahZhPiwy4lqJHuqzX945P6wa4tWwNOXEZ1z7FQCmLQ0S32pg5K3rU1SeV813hPeURnQpKWWnRfhx03zCL7oLmKvV0grbZFsJTcgJCM6-u8kEChNEsRXt7KlZf-OdwHhANoHmrQitZt1JAdjcWlAy7pxzAQVL_HZ_DHgfiQTizVAN=s6016" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4016" data-original-width="6016" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhv6Oksxm6v0aJwahZhPiwy4lqJHuqzX945P6wa4tWwNOXEZ1z7FQCmLQ0S32pg5K3rU1SeV813hPeURnQpKWWnRfhx03zCL7oLmKvV0grbZFsJTcgJCM6-u8kEChNEsRXt7KlZf-OdwHhANoHmrQitZt1JAdjcWlAy7pxzAQVL_HZ_DHgfiQTizVAN=s320" width="320" /></a></b></span></div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>If you looking for all the fun of the Metro Parks, but with fewer crowds, the Delaware County Preservation Parks are a great option. These 11 parks boast quiet trails, nature centers and activities like Geocaching. </b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Tip: Char-Mar Ridge Park in Westerville offers an fitness trail with specific exercise stations posted along the 1.7 mile loop. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-size: x-small;"><b>more information: <a href="https://preservationparks.com/">https://preservationparks.com/</a></b></span></p><p><b style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></b></p><p><b style="font-family: Montserrat;">5. NATURAL PLAYGROUNDS</b></p><p><b style="font-family: Montserrat;">This newer addition to many parks creates dedicated space for children to play in, around, and on nature. Logs are used for bridges, sticks are formed into natural forts, and streams become splash pads. Natural playgrounds are available at many local parks including Highbanks Metro Park, Blendon Woods Metro Park, and Shale Hollow Park.</b></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Tip: Remember to bring a towel or change of shoes/clothes - these areas can get muddy!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>6. FRANKLIN PARK CONSERVATORY</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuYAueHDuJdJ4doNhrzilntadFvcIwgVBaw5-27iOSjDzKoO_o0N_zpWv4hSikqkH-snCdnsxWjVoIjRPfe-7N7E_M0osiOEDacMfc8ndhdSfNHK1tE6O97s2wamtfn4bJxcz_R3uM_TI0ZkaS3pa6l0Z9vqGA14qa_Wryd0878N2XkvwRsMbDD3f2=s4288" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4288" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuYAueHDuJdJ4doNhrzilntadFvcIwgVBaw5-27iOSjDzKoO_o0N_zpWv4hSikqkH-snCdnsxWjVoIjRPfe-7N7E_M0osiOEDacMfc8ndhdSfNHK1tE6O97s2wamtfn4bJxcz_R3uM_TI0ZkaS3pa6l0Z9vqGA14qa_Wryd0878N2XkvwRsMbDD3f2=w315-h209" width="315" /></a></b></span></div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>If the weather doesn't permit outdoor activities, you can still enjoy nature at the Franklin Park Conservatory. The Conservatory boasts several different climate controlled greenhouses with many exotic species of plants. Your children will love to explore this fantastic display of the biodiversity in nature. </b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Tip: Give your child a camera for the day. Challenge them to capture God's creation through the lens. Have the photos printed and watch your child experience the wonder of the trip over again.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-size: x-small;"><b>more information: <a href="https://www.fpconservatory.org/">https://www.fpconservatory.org/</a></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>7. YOUR BACKYARD</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br />Nature is all around us - even in the city. Spend some time in your backyard and see what you can find. Print off a scavenger hunt (<a href="https://www.littlepassports.com/blog/educational/backyard-nature-scavenger-hunt/">like this one</a>) and see who in the family can complete it first. You can also dig into gardening. Take your child to your local garden center and let them pick out a few colorful plants and spend the afternoon planting them in a special place.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Don't know how to garden? Check out this <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Paint-Plant-Flower-Growing-Gardening/dp/B08T5W71B4/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2XZCWPOJ4BTS4&keywords=kids+gardening+kit&qid=1645821132&sprefix=kids+gardening+kit%2Caps%2C185&sr=8-5">child gardening kit</a> on Amazon? </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Other Ideas or something we missed? Share Below!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></p>Tree of Life Christian Schoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01098853173592263222noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455177951364190256.post-23473596834893183232022-02-25T12:48:00.001-05:002022-02-25T15:42:47.795-05:00Pursuing Excellence: Class of 2022 <p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"> <span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">This year’s graduating class has much to celebrate! Several students have achieved top academic success, with admissions to Princeton and NYU, and a perfect score of 36 on the ACT college entrance exam.<b><i> Nearly one-fourth of the class has earned a 4.0 GPA</i></b>, while taking advantage of Honors and AP class offerings. This class was faced with the challenge of pandemic learning during the spring of their sophomore year, and yet they have shown resilience and diligence. Congratulations to our graduating class of 2022!!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-5f951271-7fff-b176-a66f-f1529c781068"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDn3WGIWWQnj2s1hnm7R4_UoZ3H-QSC2QLQAt8Es1-b-reZQo_g77EkIiiHrNBOLI4QJ2y4ZX4c5Bmi1_he8fJOowRpkPs0MhW9uQhzHiPcLCgGSuWBqWbfLHEfS_XFJF3CtvBvNFP8DeF07U9igsQFP-D5yxKRuiHz1_v9YGZbgz3bXW9IhiHQkfc=s2592" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="2592" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDn3WGIWWQnj2s1hnm7R4_UoZ3H-QSC2QLQAt8Es1-b-reZQo_g77EkIiiHrNBOLI4QJ2y4ZX4c5Bmi1_he8fJOowRpkPs0MhW9uQhzHiPcLCgGSuWBqWbfLHEfS_XFJF3CtvBvNFP8DeF07U9igsQFP-D5yxKRuiHz1_v9YGZbgz3bXW9IhiHQkfc=w339-h339" width="339" /></a></div><b><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></span></p>Isaac Shah, Valedictorian - National Merit Finalist</b><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ohio State University, Aerospace Engineering</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Tree of Life has really been a launchpad for all parts of my life. Academically it has allowed me to succeed at the highest level; spiritually I have flourished and developed a real, authentic faith relationship; and socially I have found great mentors to guide me through life’s ups and downs, and supportive friends that I have enjoyed so much since the sixth grade. I have been so loved and cared for here, and this might be one of the most pivotal and life-changing communities that I’ve ever been a part of.” - Isaac</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Activities: National Honor Society, Tri-M music honor society, jazz band, varsity soccer, varsity basketball, travel club, student council</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a></span></span><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span style="font-size: medium; white-space: normal;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdJeGNdm7ae9rXRXMfhqyU3z-NgDBJJQ1NRubq7t39SpZkfSEGSVT658UmbLjiUnCGgxxd-hWiQRkiZLn_e1wvHKUFQgXNRfvo6N-viIzRE6z-4c1SHiXP_oGyd8AOE-Im-J7HhQ-jamiAR5R4Gv4EVTVUnAvdOLU7iYdIEJWKTRrFEyWyu84c1QoY=s1338" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1338" data-original-width="929" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdJeGNdm7ae9rXRXMfhqyU3z-NgDBJJQ1NRubq7t39SpZkfSEGSVT658UmbLjiUnCGgxxd-hWiQRkiZLn_e1wvHKUFQgXNRfvo6N-viIzRE6z-4c1SHiXP_oGyd8AOE-Im-J7HhQ-jamiAR5R4Gv4EVTVUnAvdOLU7iYdIEJWKTRrFEyWyu84c1QoY=s320" width="222" /></a></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Yiying “Ellie” Xie, Salutatorian</b></span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hometown: Dongguan, China</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">NYU, Business</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium; white-space: normal;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Tree was an excellent choice for study in the U.S. as the teachers and staff all supported me and were personally invested in my success. I took advantage of every opportunity to develop leadership skills and friendships that helped me grow into a well-rounded outspoken young lady.” - Ellie</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium; white-space: normal;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium; white-space: normal;"></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Activities: All Nations leadership, student council, National Honors Society, yearbook, theater, business, art portfolio, mission trip, swim team </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span></span></span></p><!--more--><br /><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVt96k50-GE3mARWTE-g0GO3BBZsqr2EZVTGO3kq0EG2CYjLujCNEx6Ptk5M_GG6l-DYwnzJvxmi0pgkLpeZWmThXkHkciS012rHuz26yM-H-luyOUMakeMqrColyYbuHaDl30EOTAmP3MGVe5Kdulz06PFMdEvgcK65Y1TwZneYeFuHQkZ1s9_ICS=s3600" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3600" data-original-width="2400" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVt96k50-GE3mARWTE-g0GO3BBZsqr2EZVTGO3kq0EG2CYjLujCNEx6Ptk5M_GG6l-DYwnzJvxmi0pgkLpeZWmThXkHkciS012rHuz26yM-H-luyOUMakeMqrColyYbuHaDl30EOTAmP3MGVe5Kdulz06PFMdEvgcK65Y1TwZneYeFuHQkZ1s9_ICS=w226-h339" width="226" /></a></div><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Tryphena Awuah</b></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Princeton University, English</span></p></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-c9023f4d-7fff-149b-3934-203440913c41"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">“Tree of Life has played an essential role in my academic, spiritual, and physical growth since I enrolled here as a sixth grader. Tree has shown a dedication to educating students in His Truth as stated in the mission statement, and providing a safe environment for students, like myself, to explore new interests and opportunities that have helped in guiding my future plans. Through Tree, I have built genuine relationships with my classmates and staff members that I can rely on even after graduation, and I am confident that I always have a home here.” - Tryphena</span></span></p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Activities: softball, Civitas Literary Magazine, National Honors Society, yearbook, travel club, SALT (Student Athlete Leadership Training) </span></span></p><br /></span><span><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></span><p></p><div><span face="Montserrat, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>Tree of Life Christian Schoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01098853173592263222noreply@blogger.comColumbus, OH, USA39.9611755 -82.99879419999999211.650941663821158 -118.15504419999999 68.271409336178849 -47.842544199999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455177951364190256.post-73979547486134614882021-11-23T09:15:00.007-05:002021-11-23T09:20:02.890-05:00Teaching Children to Be Humbly Grateful<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFFG2L21CPA5rKyFJCJvek0X9lix9zuL2C5tOfooCZOnmImL86YCOV6eoaH7nbEx-4EvKmYxdMR8FDOIQC7wDyg7vZyyywtPeSjbk6HJLY1icX2Zb8sOBeav6yHhTEtKqQp3vPaBLFB7Q5B9O3sfDGIV-eAXcqXMjb3Em1ynLTfoCiry0l-419z71j=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFFG2L21CPA5rKyFJCJvek0X9lix9zuL2C5tOfooCZOnmImL86YCOV6eoaH7nbEx-4EvKmYxdMR8FDOIQC7wDyg7vZyyywtPeSjbk6HJLY1icX2Zb8sOBeav6yHhTEtKqQp3vPaBLFB7Q5B9O3sfDGIV-eAXcqXMjb3Em1ynLTfoCiry0l-419z71j=w388-h291" width="388" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">by Carolyn Sherrod</i></div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Thanksgiving and Christmas season is upon us and we are reminded of our need to teach our children the virtue of gratitude. A few years ago, at a Thanksgiving celebration, our church’s children’s choir sang a song about gratitude. Using a play on words, the title itself spoke a clear message, “Are You Humbly Grateful, or Grumbly Hateful?” The lyrics of the chorus asked:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">Are you humbly grateful, or grumbly hateful? What’s your attitude?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do you grumble and groan or let it be known you’re grateful for all God’s done for you?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Which one are you? Which one are you?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">Let’s face it! We all have known both adults and children who fit into either of these categories. Perhaps you resonate with the question, “which one are you?” We all would want to be known as being humbly grateful, and that we are raising our children to be humbly grateful. But instead, another kind of pandemic is currently sweeping our culture - a lack of thankfulness, a sense of entitlement, and an unhealthy focus on self and wants. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">As we look at ways we can teach our children to be grateful, we need to first examine our own attitude. How do we measure up on the gratitude meter? Our example is paramount if we want our children, grandchildren, and students to be grateful. If you think about it, often the first words children learn are “MINE!” “NO!” and “MORE!” Unless prodded by mom or dad, the words “thank you!” are rarely heard. Many of us are just like little children having a tantrum; a stomping of the foot, a clenching of the fists, a furrowed brow, demanding to get what we want. Maybe not physically, but certainly in an attitude of the heart. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">So what can we do to turn our hearts towards gratitude and thankfulness? What can we do to instill thankfulness in our children for their blessings, and to appreciate what others do for them or give them? Here are some simple ways to start.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Recognize our blessings and the Source of our blessings</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">“Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget not all His benefits.” Ps.103:2</span> </span></i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is easier to help our children recognize their blessings and to be grateful for them when they know that God, their Creator, is the Source of all blessings. He has a purpose for every good gift that He gives. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sometimes it is the simple things we enjoy every day that we take for granted, such as clean water, shelter, food to eat, a Bible to read. Make it a practice in your home to openly talk about what you are thankful for. “I am thankful for…” could be a great conversation starter when your family sits down for dinner or when you quiet down to get ready for bed. Model this for your children. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">If your family is anything like our family, the days are busy and full. We learned to make the most of every minute, even time in the car! You may want to use the alphabet to help you think of blessings that God gives. <i>For example, A is for the air He gives us to breathe, B is for the beautiful sunrise that reminds us that He is the light of the world, etc. </i> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Learn to express gratitude</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” Ps. 107:1</span></i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is important that we model gratitude for our children and teach them ways that they themselves can express gratitude. Some ways to do this might be: </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">Encourage your children to use the gifts that God has given them to bless others and to show thankfulness to God. Children love to contribute. Guide them in seeking ways to serve others and give God glory.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">Teach them to say thank you and to write notes of thanks to others. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">Keep a journal of thanksgiving and gratitude; this can be as simple as a weekly sheet with a line for Sunday through Saturday to write what you are thankful for, or a journal you keep as a family and add to as anyone thinks of a blessing. Take time to say thank you to God, who gives good gifts to us. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Guard our hearts and our children’s hearts</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">“And he said to them, ‘Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’” Luke 12:15</span></i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Bible tells us that the devil crouches at the door like a lion. He is waiting to seek whom he may devour. There are so many gratitude robbers and one of them is greed. It is important to teach children, and ourselves, the difference between a need and a want. Advertisers know how to lure and even push us towards certain items that crave our interest. More than ever adults and kids have phones, iPads, tablets, and computers which can be tools that can turn interest into coveting which leads to greed. We need to guard our hearts. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">May your hearts be filled with true gratitude this Thanksgiving, and may God find us all HUMBLY GRATEFUL for His many blessings.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo7cD4ic1TY1MI8qxqN1TGOGyAAp8ifhqK29lw_8qRblEVECxfEkeijr2d05Ur03fAhH48L9GAdnATFGGIrjdLsnK5YzbpMeXEh1AwcAUKFXKDXnr55_zzjEZpcuJzjPB3q73HMo0RC9ioJv95GhhsXvCnWEaO-a7NK5EAuUAMPYKHUFN99MzcSV1X=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo7cD4ic1TY1MI8qxqN1TGOGyAAp8ifhqK29lw_8qRblEVECxfEkeijr2d05Ur03fAhH48L9GAdnATFGGIrjdLsnK5YzbpMeXEh1AwcAUKFXKDXnr55_zzjEZpcuJzjPB3q73HMo0RC9ioJv95GhhsXvCnWEaO-a7NK5EAuUAMPYKHUFN99MzcSV1X=w480-h360" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p>Taylor McClintockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460704500047638853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455177951364190256.post-40853838265353879132021-10-25T14:15:00.005-04:002021-10-25T14:15:53.897-04:00One Family<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhx2ejYrz2Q5crmdfEacM6yOkoy-KPnScxalnxpGKKOjGI3ILMe3P_ua82AXrg3NJKQv0tmzHmvoVLdn1JIesNWiBA31dnZ6Po0asUi3cRi5in667pN0VHxwI7RvNq8XLZxmGmcT9uLdRWHi6I6bklQZt4I20HLR54AuSdEv93OaRR84IZJhM9rSnVA=s632" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="421" data-original-width="632" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhx2ejYrz2Q5crmdfEacM6yOkoy-KPnScxalnxpGKKOjGI3ILMe3P_ua82AXrg3NJKQv0tmzHmvoVLdn1JIesNWiBA31dnZ6Po0asUi3cRi5in667pN0VHxwI7RvNq8XLZxmGmcT9uLdRWHi6I6bklQZt4I20HLR54AuSdEv93OaRR84IZJhM9rSnVA=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div></div><br />Little did we know what God had planned for our family when our children started attending Tree of Life in 2005. Our boys, Kyle ‘09 and Colin ‘11, were both on the soccer team where the coaches and players welcomed them with open arms. Right away, lifelong friendships started to form. Kaitlyn ‘16 was also welcomed by teachers and staff at the Indianola campus. Everyone was so friendly and accepting of our family!<p></p><p>We came to love Tree of Life like our family. I started working for Tree at the Indianola campus and then later transferred to Northridge in the athletic office. We were very involved with sports, as our children played soccer, baseball, softball and cheer. Our roots at Tree of Life were growing deep. My husband, Bill, joined the board and is still serving today. </p><p>In August 2015 we found out just how deep our relationships were when I was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. It was the beginning of Kaitlyn’s senior year. Her senior class, teachers, and staff rallied around her with so much love and support, they were the hands and feet of Jesus to her and to our family. Later that same year two other classmates of hers would also face a parent diagnosed with cancer. The class of 2016 was a unique class, they bonded together and never grew tired of doing good for their classmates.</p><p>The support for Bill and I was so incredible! We had Tree of Life parents and staff make meals, pray, and support us in so many ways. Some of the parents even took me to appointments and stayed with me during treatments. I will never forget our 2015 athletic booster day. All of our fall sports teams wore pink and during the girls’ soccer game halftime they formed a big circle around us, including the opposing team. The teams, coaches, staff, and parents prayed over me, my family, and other cancer survivors. The love and support we received was astonishing and much needed. </p><p>It was a long battle with chemo, surgery, radiation and medications but as of September 15th of this year, I am five years cancer free! Praise God! Looking back, God’s timing for this was perfect. During Kaitlyn’s senior year, she was in sports year-round which gave me a reason to get out of bed and keep going even when I didn’t think I could. I didn’t want cancer to rob me of the joy of watching her and her teammates. The encouragement and love we received from the Tree of Life community was a tremendous blessing. Tree was more than a school, it was a family who went through this journey with us. </p><p>I want to thank you on behalf of myself and my family for being “our family” in our greatest time of need by showing us the love of Jesus.</p><p>In His Love, </p><p>Joan Brooks</p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvsbvHZUDMjmgzjBQOtiRxiqo5K9E7F2Qlx8b5ut3j6jQ8n-P0LVOXa4ZwlPivd_uiYuq4_75HJfsly7Stxmi6SPqN5ZxftGYCcMiu6y_npKuDQzn_fEg7Ngaa9BquQRtIKHwGOSlYJJUENuxxDRhCutlw0dFnvogU_nqpJ1czJjDNG3wLV-ySd93B=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1367" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvsbvHZUDMjmgzjBQOtiRxiqo5K9E7F2Qlx8b5ut3j6jQ8n-P0LVOXa4ZwlPivd_uiYuq4_75HJfsly7Stxmi6SPqN5ZxftGYCcMiu6y_npKuDQzn_fEg7Ngaa9BquQRtIKHwGOSlYJJUENuxxDRhCutlw0dFnvogU_nqpJ1czJjDNG3wLV-ySd93B=s320" width="214" /></a></div>Kayy.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10328902875009508345noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455177951364190256.post-14201101605667812502021-09-28T10:37:00.012-04:002021-09-30T15:04:34.348-04:00LifeGroups<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDw5sBNughGoxI5Sv0uFvTUZ15AcqpcpK3wggNmFmzFBgmzc9dpJ-fNtNG3GyeT9z7SlCxhI7Efqcmr1_6tIabVOsKy1VZXP0dSLrLbBZFXsehBeMB3y07jRiuyrhMP9cb0rnducvieuU/s2048/DSC06894.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDw5sBNughGoxI5Sv0uFvTUZ15AcqpcpK3wggNmFmzFBgmzc9dpJ-fNtNG3GyeT9z7SlCxhI7Efqcmr1_6tIabVOsKy1VZXP0dSLrLbBZFXsehBeMB3y07jRiuyrhMP9cb0rnducvieuU/w417-h277/DSC06894.jpg" width="417" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">“They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42</span></i></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">Through weekly life groups, students benefit from a more intimate and intentional small group setting similar to the Acts 2 church, under the leadership of staff, with a focus on discipleship.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">We want to challenge the students to think through the issues of their world from a biblical perspective. In a world of ever-changing opinion and perspective, we try to encourage students to apply the truth of scripture in the topics discussed; how to live in a healthy community, how to be respectful of other people's opinions, how to be sympathetic with others, influences of social media, and various other topics have allowed our students to have hard conversations in a healthy environment.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">Groups are divided by grade levels and over the course of time they take on their own personalities. Fellowship happens through group competitions, games and contests, group time, texting, and time spent together outside of school. Faculty advisors do a great job of promoting fellowship within the group, as relationships build more efficiently in a smaller group setting.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">Each week we want our students to know that they’ve been prayed for. Everything that happens within the context of LifeGroups happens because of the work of the Holy Spirit! Planning is prayed over, content is prayed over, fellowship opportunities are prayed over, and the students are prayed over. We want our students to know that they are prayed for.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">LifeGroups have become a highlight of the week, and the opportunity to address the needs of our students in a small group has proved beneficial. Periodically the opportunity presents itself to have more traditional chapel gatherings where the student body comes together as one. In those moments we seize an opportunity to be the community of Christ as described by the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 12: One body, many parts, all under ONE NAME! </span></p><div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div>Taylor McClintockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460704500047638853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455177951364190256.post-26774381312493386882021-09-28T10:34:00.011-04:002021-10-01T09:45:16.203-04:00LifeCare - Connecting students with spiritual, emotional, social, and physical care<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVisMjPqdPRnCjqLAdnNt7mk_ku1RQna6ZzI07UGMFvoN8bnGme9_aZlm-6jHa25-OCIY_5ulfiyRBLnEofhtcNopRU6X8s3-iX6nNwhr0eeUw35cftOCh4rz38ubrAv8_o-oGIw4-ig/s2048/Z7A_8073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVisMjPqdPRnCjqLAdnNt7mk_ku1RQna6ZzI07UGMFvoN8bnGme9_aZlm-6jHa25-OCIY_5ulfiyRBLnEofhtcNopRU6X8s3-iX6nNwhr0eeUw35cftOCh4rz38ubrAv8_o-oGIw4-ig/w286-h430/Z7A_8073.jpg" width="286" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><b>LifeCare</b></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-efa3ce6f-7fff-e387-5181-d600c15b652a"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Several years ago, Tree of Life leadership realized that as the emotional healthcare needs in our culture were growing, our students were bringing additional needs with them to school. It became clear that these needs were having an impact on students’ ability to function well during the school day. With this in mind, the LifeCare office was formed. </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">LifeCare provides spiritual, emotional, social, and physical care to the Tree of Life community as we walk together towards Jesus. Each situation is handled individually according to the needs of the students, families, and staff involved. This includes everything from helping students navigate friendship issues, to walking alongside families through life’s most difficult crises. There are many desired spiritual outcomes when supporting students as they struggle, as well as facilitating them to do their academic work to the best of their ability. </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The LifeCare office at Northridge is a comfortable space where students can often be found talking through concerns, eating lunch in smaller groups, or just enjoying a quiet space during study hall. </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Liz Gordon, LifeCare Director, works primarily at the Northridge campus. Jon Kuhn provides care at all three elementary campuses. </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you would like to contact the LifeCare office, email liz.gordon@tolcs.org or jon.kuhn@tolcs.org.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Tp3iqFdypvgRpMlaHBwr0KEDZ0eMolY394ojErVu5oWbV44veTdCfa8Wf1_BockMZ-Ktbe9fviFI4XLyKM6BAC8sPuAIT1qTj0woFrlvX9kXNWdqYn0XOANhTMv6pBDjMsPZJZJlh_g/s2048/DSC09965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Tp3iqFdypvgRpMlaHBwr0KEDZ0eMolY394ojErVu5oWbV44veTdCfa8Wf1_BockMZ-Ktbe9fviFI4XLyKM6BAC8sPuAIT1qTj0woFrlvX9kXNWdqYn0XOANhTMv6pBDjMsPZJZJlh_g/w511-h340/DSC09965.jpg" width="511" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><i>The third grade takes a service trip to the Dream Center, using their hands to serve generously</i></span></div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span></div>Taylor McClintockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460704500047638853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455177951364190256.post-40944869021512151562021-09-28T10:28:00.007-04:002021-09-30T10:39:45.932-04:00Students From Around the World<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf26FM20ZpSVB5sXcro3zSjm_emzE1MqUNMNjIcYpEVXeow5-iMygfC4KwFB60ljqjAkv7A7XV5gun8TNXO9_pi41YYrs6PzxGmQpx5JV0xxZj1gl5G82fA3hH8s77sk7gwvtjQBF8z_g/s2048/international_fish+2-01.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1332" data-original-width="2048" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf26FM20ZpSVB5sXcro3zSjm_emzE1MqUNMNjIcYpEVXeow5-iMygfC4KwFB60ljqjAkv7A7XV5gun8TNXO9_pi41YYrs6PzxGmQpx5JV0xxZj1gl5G82fA3hH8s77sk7gwvtjQBF8z_g/w417-h271/international_fish+2-01.png" width="417" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In 2004, Tree of Life issued its first international F1 visa, and since then has been blessed to have dozens of students from Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America. Top students come to Tree of Life to complete high school, in hopes of being admitted to a competitive university. Studying in the US provides an advantage of extracurriculars and a different academic system than in their home country. Students work hard to learn English prior to leaving their home country, then continue learning English as they also learn all academic content in a second language. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">The international program is a unique mission field within the school community, as most students do not come from Christian families, but agree to take Bible classes and attend church. God brings students to Tree of Life so that they can hear the Gospel and take the message back to their home country, often in “closed” countries or regions. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">The program is complementary to the diversity that already exists within the Tree community, where parents born in over 30 countries have enrolled their children. We are all blessed by the rich cultural experience and perspectives as we engage with one another. The diversity at Tree is recognized around the US by other ACSI schools, as an example of how to be ONE in Jesus.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The international program is in need of full-time, short-term, and weekend hosts to help love a student who is far from home. To learn more about the program, contact </span><a href="mailto:international@tolcs.org" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">international@tolcs.org</span></a></span></p>Taylor McClintockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460704500047638853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455177951364190256.post-83066998169792471292021-09-28T10:22:00.009-04:002021-09-30T15:10:18.597-04:00Hispanic Heritage Month Fun Facts!<p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_adV1iqCz8TgdzeXDIDOEpQPx6R6bpkKUvHUa5OOTibS3vpKSCAUV6OMPdBYuhmOsI2A_VzYdGuUErbIyVf7xnEPvjEuUeDZ9Nfoo1AjuavijBq-4dwQjrkAtCQ5aJ9SlAaNQEdbbUwQ/s2048/20210927_150034.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_adV1iqCz8TgdzeXDIDOEpQPx6R6bpkKUvHUa5OOTibS3vpKSCAUV6OMPdBYuhmOsI2A_VzYdGuUErbIyVf7xnEPvjEuUeDZ9Nfoo1AjuavijBq-4dwQjrkAtCQ5aJ9SlAaNQEdbbUwQ/w441-h330/20210927_150034.jpg" width="441" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Did you know that:</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">*Worldwide there are over 500 million Spanish speakers, and Spanish is the official language in 20 countries</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">*Hispanic immigrants helped build the transcontinental railroad in the 1800's</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">*US pop culture has been impacted by Hispanics in music, sports, government, literature, and food!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">Celebrate Hispanic Heritage month September 15-October 15</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvxkWqMAU4ezqiuFSkWrjBUdSyRL23s3vR5g5Qq0mUbB8zKOnZ2zrRBud9GF7AL9IX2RKG2Op6aWKIwxmUWVXgYvrmoHSBr2UvHMaFbGobFmaWzaVeejiFPG6jnpDo7LDb05iyUIr4nM/s2016/IMG_0636.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvxkWqMAU4ezqiuFSkWrjBUdSyRL23s3vR5g5Qq0mUbB8zKOnZ2zrRBud9GF7AL9IX2RKG2Op6aWKIwxmUWVXgYvrmoHSBr2UvHMaFbGobFmaWzaVeejiFPG6jnpDo7LDb05iyUIr4nM/s320/IMG_0636.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPqDzY9XgZ4IvWqnQ3MBojyPIOBJi-3R8n9MmnBWuAiZImlwBq3-wXPAlv2hGVlavGAarBaKg7X1IMBV8gfFj_sn8cKkvWSO8padufa7gdNbCPt8EDREjYBiDlTVkW-3dxIjsGX8mC3o/s1638/Screen+Shot+2021-09-28+at+10.17.14+AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1638" data-original-width="1058" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPqDzY9XgZ4IvWqnQ3MBojyPIOBJi-3R8n9MmnBWuAiZImlwBq3-wXPAlv2hGVlavGAarBaKg7X1IMBV8gfFj_sn8cKkvWSO8padufa7gdNbCPt8EDREjYBiDlTVkW-3dxIjsGX8mC3o/s320/Screen+Shot+2021-09-28+at+10.17.14+AM.png" width="207" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVuozWhR50LrlYmWuN1ILuQxyQ7weDH4eMU9RdZKbeAEYhYHmPjTPicMtI5bBLXh82I22xWK5WoVEl9iYzxxvOBzHLFvKFt7XXO_H_WuGLAkrg1vLVLJoMEGq_GsFsbx-QprPsvoj56NA/s2016/IMG_0635.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVuozWhR50LrlYmWuN1ILuQxyQ7weDH4eMU9RdZKbeAEYhYHmPjTPicMtI5bBLXh82I22xWK5WoVEl9iYzxxvOBzHLFvKFt7XXO_H_WuGLAkrg1vLVLJoMEGq_GsFsbx-QprPsvoj56NA/w479-h359/IMG_0635.jpg" width="479" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>Taylor McClintockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460704500047638853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455177951364190256.post-71039330366620116922021-09-28T09:54:00.004-04:002021-10-01T10:57:15.408-04:00Celebrating Faithfulness - Sept 2021<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJqRpdN4xNDdbSKRsuOpfVZMZfuAYFBrwcDC4-P_wTcsMJxyhf2nLTIeKrmh5fxmHh4r_T5QY8DsU2j1NlsYJPKvYj0iR84BJpT2nZcCH4E389JTTk8JjBHTZphW74v_J-rVKNbTjIXw/s1280/celebrating_faithfulness.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="1280" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJqRpdN4xNDdbSKRsuOpfVZMZfuAYFBrwcDC4-P_wTcsMJxyhf2nLTIeKrmh5fxmHh4r_T5QY8DsU2j1NlsYJPKvYj0iR84BJpT2nZcCH4E389JTTk8JjBHTZphW74v_J-rVKNbTjIXw/w400-h161/celebrating_faithfulness.png" width="400" /></a></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Student enrollment grew 22% this school year from 2020-21, an unexpected blessing as we continue to provide Christ-centered and student-focused education, in a time when many Christian schools are forced to close their doors. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, with the current economic situation that many are facing, there has been an unprecedented need for financial assistance, which has almost tripled over the last year. God provided another surprise for us, with a shower of unexpected gifts.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">One gift of $20,000 was from a foundation out-of-state. The only connection the donor had to Tree was through a relative who is a student. As the leadership thanked God, and continued to pray about helping meet the needs of all of families that requested help to attend or stay at Tree, the Lord continued to provide more gifts: an unexpected stock gift this summer from a family that is part of the Tree community, a gift from an alumni parent for the Stay Together Fund, and a gift from a family that was blessed by other school families over 20 years ago in their time of need to keep their child at Tree. The financial needs are significant, but the Lord continues to provide in only ways He can.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">Please join us in celebrating the blessing of more students to serve. And join us in thanksgiving for surprise gifts that God provided, and continues to provide, to our community.</span></p>Taylor McClintockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460704500047638853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455177951364190256.post-67862931633368675702021-08-24T12:16:00.003-04:002021-08-27T14:14:29.600-04:00Polaris NASA<p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPd8VOAFgOmhh2Z-uyUC0bjRjKC2RKjKrboeuXfNujdLL1orJcowLsNy22USDbLi9fih1YDex83LXVHC7XQjpZ8rKirL4ORr8UTrjaffFtfoOetgtcQLiq0ayP3mb7S1rMniUp3x29lK4/s2992/Eagles+Discover+Artemis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2992" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPd8VOAFgOmhh2Z-uyUC0bjRjKC2RKjKrboeuXfNujdLL1orJcowLsNy22USDbLi9fih1YDex83LXVHC7XQjpZ8rKirL4ORr8UTrjaffFtfoOetgtcQLiq0ayP3mb7S1rMniUp3x29lK4/w350-h234/Eagles+Discover+Artemis.JPG" width="350" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">NASA grant provides opportunity for 5th graders to participate in STEM engineering design challenge “Keep it Cool” </span></p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-28ea97b6-7fff-126e-baa5-23bfcf290253"></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Students at Polaris joined engineers from the Glenn Science Center Cryogenics Lab in Cleveland to work on the problem of keeping their hydrogen fuel tank cool on the way to the moon and then to Mars.
</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">They collaborated with subject matter experts by livestream who provided background knowledge and feedback in the design loop. Students worked within their teams to design and build a working structure, calibrate ice, test their design, record and graph their data, and make improvements. The week wrapped up with a final “Shark Tank” style presentation to a board of investors who will award a multimillion-dollar contract.
</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tree’s growing STEM program allows students to work in PBL (Problem Based Learning) teams, beginning at the elementary grade level. Through the use of PBL, students understand the need for content they are learning in the classroom; skills such as 4-digit multiplication and knowing the rules of phonics become tools that have an immediate purpose in the STEM lab.
</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The STEM and PBL teaching model at the Polaris campus has had phenomenal success in the past couple of years, and the program will continue to grow at the Clintonville and Dublin campuses. At Northridge, STEM classes continue to expand for middle and high school as Tree graduates students who are ready for the 21st century. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih3wMBcg_aOnvVfi8sSELVu9RLMHVjYo6oXqFKRFQOAkhI-VV9BXNS4nm54x5Crwlmn1JamxHmTmBYTf5zmX35AiwWcbt3Jsxq29rUhVD3oqCulltPmukZ-OEVVB6h2IXlLMJw-mgTxwo/s2992/Getting+Started.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2992" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih3wMBcg_aOnvVfi8sSELVu9RLMHVjYo6oXqFKRFQOAkhI-VV9BXNS4nm54x5Crwlmn1JamxHmTmBYTf5zmX35AiwWcbt3Jsxq29rUhVD3oqCulltPmukZ-OEVVB6h2IXlLMJw-mgTxwo/s320/Getting+Started.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCcSTIKuwtxB_wHLfADPTOzPCLuSKwi3q817yuTK5_bA3Ekjvo3Kmz8nVSmWSE5J2IsSIejmi6Av3jx2uCAe4qYB5Ri2-ohk6G37RQxXF8GpVmlaf63EjTeIE6WsjayrGYS2HN2-lpiE/s2048/Melanie+Prototype+Disassembled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCcSTIKuwtxB_wHLfADPTOzPCLuSKwi3q817yuTK5_bA3Ekjvo3Kmz8nVSmWSE5J2IsSIejmi6Av3jx2uCAe4qYB5Ri2-ohk6G37RQxXF8GpVmlaf63EjTeIE6WsjayrGYS2HN2-lpiE/s320/Melanie+Prototype+Disassembled.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKD9uJ36LB6lQJhfUGdu-aW5t_cIteqDwuHmiB_jCOgljgtFCN9GbjhIvUT8W71aZkfrVgg6o_9Qld4jULvRpcKV-pv3LuVXUZrHadDa9fyqa5NRE7hOWKZz7wRYGyLkDvDrP0qLn5BjU/s2992/Space+Kids+Prototype.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2992" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKD9uJ36LB6lQJhfUGdu-aW5t_cIteqDwuHmiB_jCOgljgtFCN9GbjhIvUT8W71aZkfrVgg6o_9Qld4jULvRpcKV-pv3LuVXUZrHadDa9fyqa5NRE7hOWKZz7wRYGyLkDvDrP0qLn5BjU/s320/Space+Kids+Prototype.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p>Taylor McClintockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460704500047638853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455177951364190256.post-17806577727832702802021-08-24T12:13:00.010-04:002021-09-09T13:20:39.576-04:00LifeCare support, additional nursing staff, and COVID-19<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim10hI5rR3EvB6BRNJk6NDjhhmGfJ2MqDmj6qO9nWQlxs5KbzpySrrL1aszT3wkXW-0xtFhbdjdta2_4WM2jo00M_QcDkfLtoYKQ_yczujujsm-AmOVtlEFT_W5JVJgx5FrVDxGBKV89g/s2048/DSC04358.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim10hI5rR3EvB6BRNJk6NDjhhmGfJ2MqDmj6qO9nWQlxs5KbzpySrrL1aszT3wkXW-0xtFhbdjdta2_4WM2jo00M_QcDkfLtoYKQ_yczujujsm-AmOVtlEFT_W5JVJgx5FrVDxGBKV89g/s16000/DSC04358.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>COVID-19 Update</b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">
There are strong feelings and opinions and a diverse array of perspectives about the wearing of masks. Tree of Life is committed to a Community of Care that includes students, employees, and families caring for and respecting one another whether or not masks are worn.
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At this time we are recommending masks for staff and students, especially those who are not vaccinated, but not requiring them. If the Delta or another variant proves to spread more among students in schools, Tree of Life will make any necessary changes to our masking policy at that time, which may include a return to full masking.
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If your child is diagnosed with COVID-19, contact </span><a href="mailto:merrilynn.osborn@tolcs.org" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">merrilynn.osborn@tolcs.org</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">; then follow the 10-day isolation protocol. If your child is exposed to COVID-19 and is vaccinated, you may send them to school with a mask. If your child is exposed to COVID-19 and has not been vaccinated, they will be quarantined.
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Each of us have committed to the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being of our students, families, and staff. Thank you for helping us all stay safe as we commit to a </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">community of care</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p>Taylor McClintockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460704500047638853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455177951364190256.post-58626557694790723062021-08-24T11:58:00.008-04:002021-08-25T19:53:49.433-04:00Celebrate the start of 2021-22!<p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqTIKsSHFWd__0TdM8LsO3wV2cC7qoq_VEKFm1XZSTbpanZjWZBAaKA-vxuQoiFLHToeDSnbmVymTMqw7Ui1ul5zZw1Ersf799ZeMfdoVKCOf_05g0mF8tyBBZObtAKNG_E59HP1MLts/s2048/DSC08501_Original.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqTIKsSHFWd__0TdM8LsO3wV2cC7qoq_VEKFm1XZSTbpanZjWZBAaKA-vxuQoiFLHToeDSnbmVymTMqw7Ui1ul5zZw1Ersf799ZeMfdoVKCOf_05g0mF8tyBBZObtAKNG_E59HP1MLts/w400-h266/DSC08501_Original.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">Welcome back to school! What a wonderful sound young voices are in the hallways and classrooms. Tree of Life exists to glorify God by serving His children and families. Returning families may notice several changes at each campus as we make room for more students and update facilities. For those who have been with Tree for a while, you know that the school is actually a family of believers committed together to loving children well. Would you look for opportunities to introduce yourself and welcome our 220+ new students and their families? If this is your first year, welcome to Tree! We are eager to see how the Lord will use you and your child to bless our community.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">
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</span>In the last year, the school has grown from 760 to more than 930 students. As we celebrated the Lord sending us more kids to serve, we asked Him to provide the faculty and staff needed to serve each student well. We are all aware of the current hiring challenges in our country and city. By His grace, the Lord sent 25 incredible and wonderfully qualified brothers and sisters from His storehouse of favor. Please join me in expressing gratitude to Him for His faithfulness. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">
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</span>Watch the</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <a href="https://vimeo.com/586931288" style="text-decoration-line: underline;">full video here</a><u>.</u></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgddHAawBl2aJBRAL5CcrrTX87iIK9Ou_UHbeywK3yam2gehM6Zv4du_DevtpasGpGl1nGmVQMS8JZxoE0LIV4nf2AzgxY7V_HZgv2Xa1vCiZL7uJRKjcBksifh3fOtAtPBXSrF0oIVh9s/s1024/OneName_EmailBanner+v2-01.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="1024" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgddHAawBl2aJBRAL5CcrrTX87iIK9Ou_UHbeywK3yam2gehM6Zv4du_DevtpasGpGl1nGmVQMS8JZxoE0LIV4nf2AzgxY7V_HZgv2Xa1vCiZL7uJRKjcBksifh3fOtAtPBXSrF0oIVh9s/w640-h194/OneName_EmailBanner+v2-01.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Hopefully, you have already seen this year's t-shirts and sweatshirts highlighting our theme </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #e69138;">One Name JESUS.</span></span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"> We will be focusing on each word throughout the year. In one of Jesus' last prayers before His crucifixion, He asked the Father that we would be one even as He and the Father are One. Tree of Life's diversity is an amazing gift from the Lord. We have students from dozens of different nations, from more than 200 churches, and from 59 zip codes. We live in a nation that is divided and polarized. May the Body of Christ that makes up our school increasingly be a shining example of the oneness that Jesus prayed for and desires in us. That is only possible as we focus on the power of His name and the intimacy of the relationship we have with Jesus, individually and together.</span></div></span></span></div><p></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-264361af-7fff-7c12-c17c-f5f77af4d9e2"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Taylor McClintockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460704500047638853noreply@blogger.com